Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the contrast between Cherry MX Purple RGB and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile exemplifies the diverse tactile experiences available to users. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a refined tactile feel with a medium-strength bump, making them ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where precision is key. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch strikes a balance between feedback and fluidity, catering to those looking for a responsive yet smooth experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches deliver a profound tactile experience characterized by a substantial 70g bump and an immersive resistance that enhances typing engagement. The nylon housings contribute to a captivating "thocky" sound that many enthusiasts find satisfying, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a rich auditory feedback alongside tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different user preferences—one leaning towards a balanced response, while the other offers a more exaggerated tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, marking them as comparable in terms of material composition. Nylon is revered in the keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively soft nature, nylon dampens sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. This shared use of nylon means that both switches are likely to elicit a similar acoustic signature, providing users with a satisfying and muted keystroke sound that many enthusiasts prefer.
Despite the similarities in their housing materials, the overall tactile feel and performance of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the WS Heavy Tactile can differ based on other design elements, such as the switch mechanism and spring tension. The MX Purple RGB is known for its unique actuation point and force requirements, which may shape the typing experience distinctly compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. While the nylon housings contribute to a comparable sound profile, the way each switch feels under the fingers can vary significantly due to these other factors. This nuance can influence user preferences, as different tactile experiences can lead to a more satisfying overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches share identical top and bottom housing materials—nylon—their tactile responses may differ due to additional engineering properties of each switch. When users press down on either switch, the nylon housing will effectively absorb sound and yield a similar auditory feedback. However, the distinctive feel and performance characteristics of each switch design will ultimately dictate the user experience, highlighting the importance of not only material composition but also the intricate mechanics of each keyboard switch.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users seeking a consistent typing experience in terms of actuation will find both switches equally responsive. However, a notable difference arises with the bottom out force; while the MX Purple RGB lacks a specified bottom out force, the WS Heavy Tactile offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the WS Heavy Tactile switch will provide a more substantial typing experience during bottoming out, making it the heavier option overall. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Cherry MX Purple RGB, combined with its unspecified bottom out force, may appeal to users who prioritize comfort and prolonged usage without the strain of a heavier switch. Ultimately, those who prefer a pronounced feedback and a firmer push should lean towards the WS Heavy Tactile, while those favoring a lighter touch for extended use may find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, there is a clear distinction: the MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Heavy Tactile comes in at 3.2 mm. This makes the WS Heavy Tactile the shorter option, favoring those who appreciate a more responsive and quicker keystroke, which is particularly advantageous for gaming. On the other hand, the MX Purple RGB, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their typing experience, providing a tactile feedback that may feel more satisfying for general use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a swift response or a more substantial keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
The Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch presents a refined and balanced auditory experience, characterized by a moderate timbre that enhances its tactile feedback without being overly disruptive. While the specifics of its sound are not detailed, this switch typically produces a pleasant, solid feel that doesn't stray into excessive noise, making it ideal for an office or shared environment. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a much more engaging auditory experience, presenting a clacky and high-pitched sound that can be described as crisp and bright. The resonant characteristics of the WS Heavy Tactile make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory stimulation while typing, making each keystroke feel alive and dynamic.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a medium-strength bump that offers a refined tactile experience, suitable for those who appreciate a balance of feedback without overwhelming resistance. This provides a smooth typing experience while ensuring that users can feel each keypress distinctly. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile excels in delivering a more intense tactile sensation, with descriptors like "bouncy" and "sharp" signifying a robust resistance and heightened feedback for every keystroke. The more pronounced tactility and invigorating feedback of the WS Heavy Tactile can create a lively typing environment, catering to enthusiasts who seek an engaging and interactive experience.
In summary, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each offer unique qualities that suit varying typing experiences. The MX Purple RGB provides a more subdued, balanced sound and refined tactile feedback, making it perfect for productivity-focused environments. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile brings a captivating auditory experience paired with strong tactile feedback for a more immersive typing session. Depending on your priorities—be it noise level, feedback intensity, or tactile engagement—you can achieve gratifying results with either switch, although the experiences will cater to different types of users.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a refined tactile experience with a short bump, the MX Purple RGB may be the ideal option for you, especially if you prefer a lighter touch and want a cushioned feel while typing. Its unique collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses ensures a smooth typing experience, well-suited for those who enjoy a more subtle tactile response without heavy force. On the other hand, if you're searching for a more substantial tactile sensation and are comfortable with a medium-heavy actuation force, the WS Heavy Tactile switch could be your go-to choice. The notable "thocky" sound and immersive resistance provide an engaging auditory experience, which could enhance your typing sessions significantly. If you enjoy switches that offer bouncy feedback and a sharper tactile bump, this switch caters to that need perfectly. Overall, your decision should reflect how you desire the switch to interact with your typing experience; whether that leans towards the smooth, lightweight feel of the MX Purple RGB or the robust, lively feedback of the WS Heavy Tactile.
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